JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Steven Woodard, retired deputy assistant administrator for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has been appointed by Mayor Alvin Brown to lead Duval County's Emergency Management Division.
"Steven brings years of valuable experience to the table from his time at FEMA and the U.S. Secret Service," Brown said. "Jacksonville enjoys an excellent reputation for being a leader in emergency response. Steve's leadership and federal expertise will be a valuable addition to our public safety and emergency management teams."
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Woodard is transitioning from a role as FEMA's deputy assistant administrator for the Logistics Management Directorate. He has also served in leadership positions for the agency's Response Directorate and Operations Management Division. In the Secret Service, Woodard served as a deputy assistant director in multiple capacities, special agent in charge for the Richmond, Va., field office, and assistant special agent in charge for the Protective Operations, Major Events Division.
"I look forward to the addition of Steve's expert knowledge and experience from the Federal level to a program that is already recognized nationally for our local expertise," said Chief Martin Senterfitt, director of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.
Woodard served in leadership roles for more than 60 response operations for national level disasters and incidents as part of the National Response Coordination Center staff. He was involved in emergency management for Super Bowl XXXVI, the 56th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the 54th presidential inaugural.
"I look forward to serving the citizens and first responders of Jacksonville as we work together as a community to enhance our preparedness capabilities," said Woodard. "I am honored the mayor has offered this opportunity and I hope to leverage my past experiences supporting state and local governments during numerous disasters, to ensure that our community is prepared for all hazards."
Woodard will begin immediately in an acting capacity until his confirmation by City Council.